How Vitamin B2 Works

In vitamin B2 deficiency, the skin becomes greasy, scaly, and dry. There may be cracks, or fissures, at the corners of the mouth, inflammation and soreness of the lips, and a smooth, reddish-purple tongue.

Because prolonged deficiency of vitamin B2 causes severe eye damage in animals, some say eye problems in people, such as cataracts, might be due to a lack of this vitamin. Several studies have found people who develop cataract have lower levels of riboflavin in their blood than people who do not develop cataracts. Supplementation is justified if you have had cataracts and are trying to prevent a reoccurrence.

Hypersensitivity to light is a sign of riboflavin deficiency, but it is more likely due to a deficiency of several B vitamins. Since the B vitamins work together in a sequence of reactions, a deficiency of one vitamin affects the entire sequence.

As we've just learned, vitamin B2 is an essential part of the b-complex vitamins that help to provide the body with energy. Use the information in this article to make sure you're getting enough riboflavin in your diet.

Riboflavin is one of many vitamins we all need to maintain overall health. Visit the links below to learn more about these vital nutrients.

Vitamin B12, also called cyanocobalamin or cobalamin, is essential because it assists folate in making DNA and RNA. Read more in How Vitamin B12 Works.

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is good for more than just easing the common cold. Learn more in How Vitamin C Works.

Vitamin D is necessary to hold of rickets, but if you get enough sunshine, your body can make its own vitamin D supply. Learn more in How Vitamin D Works.

In How Vitamin E Works, learn about this important antioxidant with far-reaching health benefits.

Vitamin K is important in allowing your blood to clot properly. Learn more in How Vitamin K Works.

To learn about the many vitamins in our diet, how much you should be eating, and where to find them, go to our general Vitamins page.

Jennifer Brett, N.D. is director of the Acupuncture Institute for the University of Bridgeport, where she also serves on the faculty for the College of Naturopathic Medicine. A recognized leader in her field with an extensive background in treating a wide variety of disorders utilizing nutritional and botanical remedies, Dr. Brett has appeared on WABC TV (NYC) and on Good Morning America to discuss utilizing herbs for health.This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.